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Master of Science

The MS program provides students with a strong foundation in statistical analysis and its application to the field of health sciences. Our MS program provides students with the tools and expertise to work on critical research projects, clinical trials, and epidemiological studies. Graduates play a pivotal role in implementing valid statistical tools in the analysis of complex health data, contributing to better decision-making, improved patient outcomes, and advancements in public health practices.

Specific requirements outlined on this page regarding credit hour totals apply to the cohort matriculating in 2026. Course titles, numbers, and credit hours change over time. For degree audit concerns, contact the Graduate Program Manager (GPM), who will coordinate with the Office of the äçÐÄvlogÃâ·ÑBÕ¾ Registrar in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS) as needed.

Core Courses (31 credit hours)

Course NumberTitleCredit Hours
EPID 8311Epidemiologic Theory and Methods I4
BIOS 6311Modern Biostatistics Methodology I4
BIOS 6312Modern Biostatistics Methodology II4
BIOS 6321Clinical Trials and Experimental Design3
BIOS 6341Fundamentals of Probability4
BIOS 6342Contemporary Statistical Inference4
BIOS 6351Scientific Writing and Presentation in the Health Sciences2
BIOS 7323Applied Survival Analysis3
BIOS 7352Statistical Collaboration in the Health Sciences3

Modifications may be made with written approval from the DGS as part of an individualized academic plan.

Electives (9 credit hours)

Course NumberTitleCredit Hours
BIOS 7330Regression Modeling Strategies3
BIOS 7337Bayesian Data Analysis3
BIOS 7345Linear and Generalized Linear Models3
BIOS 7346Longitudinal Data Analysis3
BIOS 7365Probabilistic Machine Learning and Statistical Modeling3
BIOS 7375Causal Inference3
BIOS 7393Independent Study in Biostatistics3

Although meeting elective requirements through completion of 7000-level electives is strongly recommended, 8000-level electives may qualify with written approval from the DGS; enrollment in an 8000-level course may also require permission of the instructor. A maximum of one graduate course in another field can qualify with written approval from the DGS; students are responsible for covering tuition associated with electives not receiving DGS approval.

Research

Course NumberTitleCredit Hours
BIOS 6999Master's Capstone Research in Biostatistics0-6

MS students must register for BIOS 6999 at least once throughout their studies. Please contact the GPM and/or DGS for questions regarding research credits.

MS Theory and Applied Comprehensive Exams

Students are expected to take the MS theory exam upon completion of BIOS 6342, and the MS applied exam upon completion of BIOS 6312. Possible final outcomes include PhD-level Pass, MS-level Pass, and Not Passed. Students who do not pass at the MS level on a first attempt must take the exam again the following year; failure to do so on a second attempt results in dismissal from the program. See the page on comprehensive exams for more details.

MS Capstone

Students must complete an MS Capstone detailing an original investigation and present their research as part of our annual Biostatistics Research Day. See the MS Capstone page for more details.

I was attracted to the biostatistics graduate program by its size and location. My two years as an MS student gave me a great foundation in statistical methods and collaboration skills that are valuable to employers in many different fields.

Headshot of white woman with straight shoulder-length brown hair, patterned shirt, and dark blazer Elizabeth McNeer, MS 2018
Principal Biostatistician, Vanderbilt Health

This page is for information only and subject to change without notice. Official degree requirements are listed in the Graduate School catalog.